But Beckham has looked beyond Suarez's misdemeanours and insists last season's PFA Player of the Year is in the same league as his former Manchester United teammate Cantona.

LUIS SUAREZ 2013-14 SEASON IN NUMBERS

• 31 - Premier League goals, winning the Golden Boot.
• 12 - Most assists in the Premier League.
• 24 - Scored the most goals from inside the box.
• 4 - Scored the most goals from counterattacks.
• 9 - Had the most shots that hit the woodwork.
• 3 - Most penalties won in the Premier League.
• 237 - Attempted more dribbles than any other player.

He told Sky Sports: "All I see is two great players. I know what he [Suarez] did is inexcusable, like me in 1998, but these things happen.

"He's come out and apologised. He understands he is a role model and I think that is one of the reasons he has come out so strongly and said it wouldn't happen again.

"Eric was a great player, a legend, and a player I always looked up to [and it is the] same with Luis. For me, I look at his football talent and he is a hell of a talent.

Luis Suarez helped Liverpool mount a Premier League title challenge in 2013-14.

Former United star Beckham added that he is sad to see Suarez leave the Premier League even though he came close to winning Liverpool their first league title in 24 years.

"Liverpool were so close to winning the championship last year and he was a real big part of that. You never want to see great talent leaving one of the biggest and strongest leagues in the world."